At Thrive, we believe one of the most important ways to fight burnout is to find purpose and meaning in the work you do every day. Our partnership with Walmart enables us to see the power of Thrive’s behavior change platform in action every day. Through small better choices that build momentum over time, Walmart associates (and their friends and family) are able to make changes that drastically improve their lives and the lives of those around them.
Each month, we award 18 winners with a cash prize for their accomplishments in the Thrive Challenge. Reading through their stories and learning how each of them overcame everyday struggles gives us so much inspiration and passion for the work that we do.
Below, read the stories of our 18 winners for the month of June. We hope you enjoy them as much as we did!
Hannah Mills, Walmart Supercenter #1765, Somerset, PA; $5K Winner
“I’m making time for activities that bring me joy, like painting with watercolors. It’s a beautiful way for me to express my emotions; I’ve been painting flowers and galaxies. Now that I’m more relaxed, I’m more present with my sons. We go to the playground, we do art projects, and play with Legos. I’ll often be belly-laughing with my kids when we see something funny.”
Cynthia Rossi, Walmart FC #4087, Bethlehem, PA; $5K Winner
“My partner Gordon is perfecting his cooking skills; he makes a great grilled chicken salad, and we’re sitting down to dinner together and bonding. We put post-its saying “I love you” all over the house. One Microstep I love is finding things that make me laugh and sharing them with Gordon. We may be in our 50s, but we love being silly.”
Kelly Cox, Return Center #9153, Waco, TX; $5K Winner
“I’ve lost 10 pounds this year, and I realized how far I’d come when I saddled up my horse, Harley. We rode to a hay meadow. I was enjoying the breeze, my mind was clear, I wasn’t in any pain — I felt at peace. Riding horses is part of who I am and I’m so happy to be re-engaging with my passion.”
Amber Hedges, Neighborhood Market #2632, Phoenix, AZ; $5K Winner
“I was very anxious about finances, and I reached out for support to my brother, David. Just talking to him about my money worries lowered my stress. He helped me make a budget and open a savings account. In a year, I’ve paid off my debts and saved $5,000. As a single mother, I feel more secure and happy to be a good role model for my kids.”
Daniel Keough, Walmart Supercenter #5391, Naples, FL; $5K Winner
“On the weekend, we’ll all go for a walk on the beach early in the morning; you just hear the waves, it’s very peaceful, and the baby loves it. My feet aren’t hurting and it’s easier to move. I’m happy that I’ll be a present and active dad for my children.”
Teresa Stephens, Walmart Supercenter #7294, Norman, OK; $5K Winner
“In the evening, I meditate, dedicate a few minutes to stretching, and have a warm bath. Then I’ll snuggle on the couch with a blanket and read a few chapters of a book. Before I go to bed, I charge my phone in the bathroom. I’m getting eight hours of sleep now instead of five or six hours. I wake up energized and I can think clearly.”
Kevin Herrera, Walmart HVFC #4124, Lebanon, TN; $5K Winner
“My girlfriend, Amanda, and I decided to get fit together, and we’re holding each other accountable. We go to the gym and we play soccer with family. Now that I’m exercising regularly, I have more energy. I focus better at work and in my studies, and I’m helping my mom with household chores.”
Marcela Sierra, Walmart Supercenter #5727, Bradenton, FL; $5K Winner
“My husband and I started being more affectionate, saying I love you. To connect with our culture, we’ll make typical Colombian food like chicken with beans and rice and plantains. Every afternoon we go for a walk with our dog, and talk about our goals. I’ve learned that no marriage is perfect — it’s about focusing on gratitude and building resilience.”
Rosa Valencia, Walmart Supercenter #5389 Waco, TX; $5K Winner
“I’m getting eight hours of sleep a night and I wake up ready to go. I have more focus at work and in my studies. My boyfriend and I have more energy. We love going for long walks in the park; there are trails in the woods. We recently started running for a mile or two, which feels amazing.”
Taylor Moore, Walmart Supercenter #2804 , Oklahoma City, OK; $5K Winner
“I started with a Microstep: swapping the word exercise for movement. A big key was making movement fun. Our new house has a large yard, and I’ll be out there with our two toddlers. They love blowing bubbles and running around popping them. The kids chase each other around, so I have to run around with them.”
Michael Gonzales, Walmart Supercenter #3596, Los Lunas, NM; $5K Winner
“I’ve been reconnecting with my high school friends and we’re hanging out at each other’s houses. We’ll have a potluck or we’ll barbecue, and instead of surface level conversations, we’re talking about life. Everyone has problems, whether it be girl troubles or a family trauma. Talking helps and having that depth of connection gives me a sense of joy.”
Destiny Trent, Walmart Distribution Center #6083, Temple, TX; $5K Winner
“Spending time with friends is important for relaxation and connection. We’re taking turns in hosting girls’ nights. I chose a painting by numbers and Mexican food night, which was great fun. Now that I’m more relaxed, I’m fully present with my toddler, Adelina. We love dancing to upbeat Disney songs.”
Miracle Enyeart, Distribution Center #7055, Gas City, IN; $5K Winner
“Austin and I decided to have a small wedding with a few family members at an amphitheater in Aspen, Colorado. It’s only costing us $200. Keeping it simple has taken away the money stress. We’ll be out in the mountains, in nature, which will be beautiful with the wildflowers in full bloom. I’m very blessed to have Austin by my side. We’re making good choices now for a better tomorrow.”
Sarai Martinez, Walmart Supercenter #2302, Barceloneta, PR; $5K Winner
“I’ve always been a positive person, but four days before my child’s first birthday, he turned red, stopped breathing, and became stiff. We rushed to the hospital, where we learned he had an undiagnosed tongue problem. He needed two operations, lost weight, and cried from hunger and pain. I was consumed by guilt and stress. Starting the Thrive Challenge helped me with easy Microsteps. Prioritizing my health allowed me to care for my son as he healed. My son is doing better, and I feel peaceful, knowing small changes can lead to enormous results.”
Oscar Del Cid Jr., Neighborhood Market #7320, Yuma, AZ; $5K Winner
“My whole family is eating better and everyone takes turns in the kitchen. For dinner, I make lasagna with zucchini noodles instead of pasta, and I use ground turkey instead of beef — it’s delicious and satisfying. I’ve lost 18 pounds, my blood pressure has gone down, and my back isn’t hurting as much.”
Stephanie Kizer, Walmart Fulfilment Center #7559, Bethlehem, PA; $5K Winner
“My fiancé, Derrick, and I started walking around the neighborhood with our two dogs. We live on a hill so it’s great exercise. Now I can go to the park and practice baseball with my kids and my grandson. We’ll rotate who bats and pitches and take turns fielding. My knee doesn’t hurt and I’m excited that I’m getting healthy and fit.”
Carolina Mosley, Walmart Fulfillment Center #7559, Bethlehem, PA; $5K Winner
“I began tracking what I was spending. I made a budget and I deleted the DoorDash app from my phone. Instead of eating out, I’m cooking healthy dinners. I’m putting money into a savings account, too. One helpful Microstep is saying no to things I don’t need, like getting my nails and hair done. Now I do it all myself and I enjoy having a self-care day weekly.”
Olga Barragan Ramirez, Walmart DC #6561, Colton, CA; $5K Winner
“My wife and I decided to do some new, fun activities, like swimming and bowling. We took a trip to Las Vegas to attend a music festival and we danced so much — it felt amazing. We tried kayaking. It was scary because I had never been so far into the ocean before, but such a fantastic experience. It’s all led to more connection and fun. ”